Critical Alert Delivers Secure, HIPAA-Compliant Text Messaging and Paging App for Smartphones & Desktops

JACKSONVILLE, FL--(Marketwired - August 04, 2016) - Critical Alert Systems, a leading provider of nurse call and messaging solutions for hospitals and health systems, today announced the availability of its Windows desktop client for the Critical Alert Secure Texting (CAST) application. CAST enables two-way, encrypted, HIPAA-compliant communications between iOS & Android smartphones and tablets as well as computers running Microsoft Windows 7, 8, and 10. CAST can operate as a stand-alone system or in conjunction with existing operator consoles, messaging software, or paging systems. It can be downloaded via Apple's App Store, Google's Play Store and at this Critical Alert Web site.

"Healthcare organizations of all sizes are recognizing the benefits of secure communications using smartphones, tablets & their desktop computers to improve patient care and communications inside and outside their facilities," said Dan Shaw, Senior Vice President of Critical Alert Systems. "CAST provides a flexible, economical and easy-to-deploy secure communications solution for both text messages and important paging needs."

CAST allows clinicians and caregivers to instantly share critical patient data to in-the-field personnel when they are removed from traditional clinical applications and locations. While web enabled devices have revolutionized the ease by which we communicate in a healthcare setting, they have also increased the challenges and risks to maintaining the security of Protected Health Information (PHI) and with meeting complex regulatory requirements. From an IT perspective, CAST enables secure, compliant messaging without placing additional burden or resource requirements on the IT staff and communications infrastructure.

CAST can securely send and receive images, video and voice memo attachments and pager messages can be directed to a user's smartphone or tablet. Current Critical Alert paging subscribers can retain their current pager telephone numbers as well.

World Class Cloud Hosting Provider
CAST is easily deployed as a cloud-enabled application where administrative access, control, and patient data is maintained in a secure, HIPAA-compliant data center owned and operated by Online Tech, one of the industry's most trusted and experienced hosting providers. Online Tech data centers meet the highest standards for reliability and security with certification for HIPAA, SOC2, PCI DSS, and Safe Harbor Audits.

Key CAST Features: Security, Compliance & Administration

• Compliant: Secure HIPAA-compliant Text Messaging.
• Add Attachments: Utilize smartphones' camera and voice features to securely send and receive pictures, video, and voice memos.
• Delivery Receipt Notification: Auditable message tracking and status reports for all messages.
• Receive/Respond to Pages: Securely route pager message from any hospital system to any mobile device.
• Separate Inboxes: Secure text messages and paging messages are kept separately.
• Real Time Presence: Users set their status (presence) as "Available", "Busy" "Off Duty" or several other customizable settings that all other users see in real time.
• Contact User Directory: Ability to see and communicate with all registered users.
• Security: Transport Layer Security (TLS) and 256-bit encryption.
• Administration: Settings for message expiration, logging, audit trails and inactivity logout.
• Unavailable/Do Not Disturb/Off Duty: Mobile Users can change availability status.
• HIPAA-Compliant Hosting: Secure data centers: SOC 2, PCI DSS, Safe Harbor, HIPAA.
• Cellular & Wi-Fi Networks: Message delivered regardless of user's location.

Additional Features

• Remote Wipe
• Pin Lock
• Message Read Receipts
• Robust Audit Trail
• SMS/Email Backup Alert
• Priority Tones for Texts & Pages
• Desktop Client
• Separate Inboxes for Text/Paging
• Use Existing Paging System
• Maintain Current Pager Number

About Critical Alert Messaging
Critical Alert Systems has thousands of customers and over 3 decades of experience in developing powerful paging systems and solutions and in providing excellent customer service in the communications industry. Because of its unique frequency, signal strength, and reliable infrastructure, Paging systems are still the fastest and most reliable technology for critical communications, especially in the event of a natural disaster or other types of emergencies. Watch Paging Video.

About Critical Alert Systems
Critical Alert Systems offers the most advanced, easy-to-use, reliable and secure Nurse Call solution on the market. Critical Alert is the healthcare industry's only Nurse Call provider that includes native integrations to industry leading systems and devices without costly middleware. The company has partnered with leaders in Clinical Communications, Wireless & Smartphones, Real Time Location Systems (RTLS), Patient Engagement and Entertainment, Emergency Management, and Building Automation. The company provides traditional paging systems and solutions to thousands of customers for over three decades. The company's portfolio of software, hardware products and integrated partner offerings help hospitals drive down costs while improving their quality of care. Our focus on clinical productivity, innovative use of technology and patient safety leads to quieter, more efficient units, improved outcomes for patients and better utilization of nursing resources. For more information, visit: www.nursecall.com. Follow Critical Alert on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Critical Alert is a trademark of Critical Alert Systems. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners.

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